Eye Sight

Vision problems can often accompany FMS. Fibromyalgia leads to changes in eyesight because it impacts the nervous system, which is the centre of sensitivity in the body.

Common Symptoms

When a person develops FMS, usually harmless objects can produce pain and sensitivity.

However symptoms are not homogenous and they can range from mild to severe.

FMS sufferers can for example develop sensitivity to stimuli such as fluorescent lights or to the light produced by a television set.

Contact lenses can cause pain and irritation, while wearing glasses can trigger mysofacial trigger points (TrPs) in the face and the neck. Pain can also be experienced in the ears, teeth and nose.

FMS can also lead to the production of a thick secretion, which subsequently impacts vision.

Night driving can be dangerous for those with FMS, as they often have trouble seeing the lights of oncoming cars.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is another complication associated with Fibromyalgia. People with SAD need light to ward off depression, which is another common symptom of FMS.

Sicca syndrome, which leads to irritation dryness in the eyes as well as the mouth and nose, also affects vision and can make the wearing of contacts uncomfortable.

Other symptoms of FMS-related vision problems include postural dizziness, blurred or double vision, and vertigo. FMS can also result in impaired eye-hand coordination.

Treatment

Beta-carotene (an anti-oxidant and precursor to vitamin A) can be very helpful in treating light sensitivity produced by FMS.

Eye exercises are also be helpful in determining whether your vision problems are a result of FMS. Put one hand on your head above your forehead; then attempt to look at your hand. Pain indicates that your TrPs are especially sensitive. Then, continuing to look up at your hand, look out from the upper corner of each eye separately.

Medications are also usually prescribed to treat eyesight complications; guaifenesin (which liquefies mucus) is a uricosuric drug that helps the treatment of FMS because it helps expel uric acid from the body.